The Stoner Family
Little Jade Stoner loved making people happy. The pretty Dorset schoolgirl was never seen without a smile and always wanted to help others, especially when they were sad.
On September 24, 2006, whilst playing on her bike outside her family home, the seven-year-old was hit by a car. Hours later, doctors at Bournemouth’s Royal Hospital told her parents she would never recover.
“That’s when we knew what Jade would have wanted,” said mum Debbie, “she would have wanted to donate her organs.”
Because of Jade’s gift a ten-month-old baby girl and a 17-month-old baby boy got a new heart and liver, while two adults also got a second chance in life with new kidneys and a pancreas.
“We didn’t want her life to be a waste,” said Debbie from the family’s home in Christchurch, near Bournemouth. “I would do anything to have her back, anything, but there was nothing that could be done to save her.
“We were in the house when it happened. We knew it was Jade before we had even seen her. In the ambulance her heart was still beating, but inside I knew she was not going to get better.
“She was such a happy girl. She loved dolls and sparkly clothes, and loved dressing up. She loved school too and always wanted to please people. She hated seeing people sad and always wanted to help in anyway she could, which is why I know she would be so happy knowing she helped save four people’s lives,” she smiled.
Debbie and her husband John were supported throughout the donation by transplant coordinator Andrew Broderick.
“He was brilliant and took us through everything. He always assured us we could change our minds, but we always felt and knew it was the right thing to do,” said Debbie.
“Life will never be the same for us again, but it helped us so much knowing that her life was not in vain,” she added. “Not many people can say they saved four lives. We’re so proud of our little Jade.
“One day I’ll explain to Jade’s little sister, Amy, about the special gift her sister gave. She misses her so much, but I know she’ll be just as proud as we are and always will be.”
